Economic Development

Grant Murschel

Grant Murschel: Building community through education and entrepreneurship

Meet Grant Murschel, Director of Career and Technical Education at Midland ESA and one of three owners of Nord Social, a Scandinavian-inspired social club and bar opening in the Center City Corridor.

Latest in Economic Development
Photo courtesy of the Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum
Bay City’s oldest firehouse is coming back to life as a museum

The Antique Toy & Firehouse Museum is renovating the former Fire Station No. 3, located at the edge of Downtown Bay City. In the end, the building will house fire trucks and toys, classrooms for lessons in fire safety, and even offer space to two other local history organizations.  

Calli Ruffertshofer, a long-time customer in Downtown Bay City, has opened her own boutique business, Fran & Dot.
A love of fashion and style leads teacher to a new business venture in Downtown Bay City

Calli Ruffertshofer, a long-time customer in Downtown Bay City, has opened her own boutique business, Fran & Dot. She says the store will emphasize style, bling, and personal service.  

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Welding is an in-demand career, prompting the Bay-Arenac ISD to offer training programs for adults and high school students.
Voices of Youth: Exercise and diet pump health into your heart

During February, we celebrate heartfelt love and health. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to focus on simple exercise and diet tips for a healthier heart.  

Michigan Sugar Company President and CEO Neil Juhnke addresses grower-owners from the cooperative's East District during a Tool Shed meeting held in April 2023 at Maple Grove Acres in Ruth. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar)
A behind-the-scenes look at Bay Future’s economic development playbook

Natural resources, strong local colleges, easy access to other markets, and other factors all play a role when Bay Future seeks to attract and retain businesses in Bay County.  

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

From Bay City’s South End, the Broadway Family Grill serves up hope

Restaurant owner Hank Ryan isn’t just serving food, he’s serving the community. The Broadway Family Grill offers meals to those who can’t afford them, cold-weather clothing for those who need it, and jobs for people who want to build new skills.  

Mónica Guzmán, who wrote 'I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,' is coming to Delta College in April. The public is invited to her free lecture.
Delta College is hosting free workshops to help families complete FAFSA forms

During a series of workshops, staff members from Delta College's Financial Aid office will help families complete FAFSA forms. The workshops are free and open to the public. You do not need to be a current or future Delta student to attend.

Jessica Chai speaks with Max Loves Midland
Celebrating culture and youth leadership: Meet Jessica Chai

Meet Jessica Chai, a senior at Dow High School and Co-Chair of the upcoming Midland Lunar New Year Celebration at Dow Diamond.

Our Partners

Midland County

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Great Lakes Bay region, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.